Full Breakdown
Justin Simmons Retires After Nine NFL Seasons, Ending a Decade with the Denver Broncos
4/30/2026, 4:10:25 AM
Retirement Announcement and Immediate Context
On April 29 2026, safety Justin Simmons announced his retirement from the NFL at age 32. The announcement was made via a video posted on the Denver Broncos’ official social-media channels, exactly ten years after the franchise selected him in the third round (98th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Boston College. Simmons retired as a member of the Broncos, despite having spent the 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons and remaining unsigned throughout 2025.
Professional Timeline
- April 2016 – Drafted by Denver (3rd round, 98th overall).
- 2016-2023 – Played eight seasons with the Broncos, becoming a full-time starter in 2017.
- March 2024 – Released by Denver in a salary-cap move.
- 2024 – Signed a one-year contract with Atlanta; started 16 games, recorded two interceptions.
- 2025 – Remained a free agent and did not appear in any NFL game.
- April 29 2026 – Announced retirement, opting to retire as a Bronco.
Career Statistics
Simmons appeared in 134 regular-season games (124 starts). Official tallies list 666 total tackles, 71 passes defended, 4.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Sources differ on interception totals: some record 30 interceptions with Denver (seventh-most in franchise history), while others list 32 career interceptions. He led the league in interceptions in 2022 with six, including a record six picks off Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Simmons earned four second-team All-Pro selections (2019, 2021-2023) and two Pro Bowl nods (2020, 2023).
Community Leadership and Awards
Beyond on-field production, Simmons was a three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee with the Broncos and a three-time recipient of the Darrent Williams Good Guy Award. He founded the Justin Simmons Foundation and regularly volunteered with the Denver Boys & Girls Club, establishing a reputation as a leading community figure in Denver.
Official Statements
In his retirement video, Simmons said Denver “shaped me into the man that I am” and thanked “the best fans in the world and Broncos Country” for supporting his family. He reiterated that “being a Denver Bronco was more than just a team; it was my heart, my home and my story.” The Broncos organization highlighted his four All-Pro honors, two Pro Bowl selections, and his role as a three-time team captain, describing him as “one of the most decorated defensive backs in franchise history.”
Criticism and Fan Reaction to 2024 Release
The 2024 salary-cap release generated disappointment among teammates. Cornerback Pat Surtain II posted on X, “This one hurt, man,” reflecting the sentiment of players who viewed the move as a loss for the defense.
Conflicting Reports on Interception Totals
Sources differ on the exact number of career interceptions: ESPN and Field Level Media list 32 total interceptions, while Denver-focused outlets cite 30 interceptions accrued while with the Broncos. Both figures appear in published statistics, creating a minor discrepancy in the record.
Future Plans
Simmons indicated he intends to attend Broncos home games as a fan, sit in the lower bowl, tailgate, and continue his community outreach through his foundation. He expressed a desire to remain connected to “Broncos Country” for “years and years to come.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Being a Denver Bronco was more than just a team. It was my heart, my home and my story.” — Justin Simmons, retirement video
- “Denver literally shaped me into the man that I am. To the best fans in the world and Broncos Country, thank you so much for all your support for both myself and my family,” — Justin Simmons, Instagram post
- “I'll always be a Denver Bronco.” — Justin Simmons, retirement announcement
- “Simmons said he wants to sit close to the field, tailgate and experience game day the way Broncos fans do.” — Justin Simmons, Broncos website interview
- “This one hurt, man,” — Pat Surtain II, X post (reaction to 2024 release)
